Lincoln CA Air Conditioning Tip: Go Ductless This Spring

May 23rd, 2013

Are you looking for a highly energy efficient cooling solution? Would you like to avoid using ductwork because of air quality issues? Spring is a great time for system upgrades and replacements. Whether your AC is old or requires frequent air conditioning repair service, you should consider going ductless. A ductless split air conditioning system gives you high energy efficiency, built-in zone control, and near-silent performance. The most important part of the process is selecting a quality Lincoln, CA air conditioning contractor, someone who will guide you through every step of the process, from system selection to installation. If you’re in need of air conditioning services, Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing is the Lincoln, CA air conditioning company to call.

So, what is a ductless split air conditioning system? It works just like a conventional air conditioner, but with several important differences. All air conditioners operate by means of the refrigerant cycle. The compressor is the engine of the cycle: it takes the low pressure gas from the evaporator coil and turns it into a high pressure and high temperature gas, whose thermal energy is then dissipated by the condenser coils. The condensed (liquid) refrigerant is then depressurized and cooled by an expansion valve on its way to the evaporator coils, where it cools the warm indoor air that has been extracted by the air handler. The result is cool air throughout your living space.

What makes the ductless split system different is that the evaporator and air handler indoor unit is installed directly within the living space. Not only that, but it is also a compact version of the conventional ducted air handler. Its sleek profile sits high on the wall or suspended from the ceiling. It connects to the conventional outdoor compressor/condenser by a group of electrical, refrigerant, and drainage lines. Ductless split systems tend to have much higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings than conventional central air primarily because of the lack of ductwork. It also avoids some of the irritating side effects of ductwork, which can often become a haven for mold, dust, pollen, dander, and other debris.

Call the Lincoln, CA air conditioning contractors at Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing for comprehensive air conditioning services, including ductless split system installation – (916) 265-0828.

Sacramento Air Conditioning FAQ: What is AquaChill?

May 22nd, 2013

Spring is a great time to make adjustments within the home. If you’re in the market for an air conditioning system in Sacramento, but are unsure as to what your best option is, you may like to consider an AquaChill unit. The AquaChill AC unit has recently been getting some press and has made some headway in the industry as a residential solution to cooling under high heat conditions. One of the problems often encountered by residents throughout California during the summer is the ineffectiveness of their air conditioners during particularly hot and humid conditions. While the AquaChill has long been used in large-scale commercial applications, it has not until now been successfully designed for the small home.

In this FAQ post, the Sacramento, CA air conditioning experts at Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to explain the basics of AquaChill so that you can know what your options are.

Let’s begin with the main distinction between an AquaChill unit and a conventional central air unit. The difference occurs in the outdoor part of the AC. The condenser/compressor unit in a conventional setup uses the outside air to cool off the gaseous refrigerant as it circulates through the condenser coils. Because the compressor has increased the temperature and pressure much higher than even scorching summer weather, the heat dissipates into the outside air. However, when the outside temperature reaches over 82 degrees Fahrenheit, then the ability of the condenser coil becomes remarkably less efficient at its task.

The AquaChill seeks to address this inefficiency problem. Instead of only relying on the outside air to provide the cooling for the condenser, the AquaChill outdoor unit pre-cools the refrigerant in the coils by spraying water on them. This water, which is constantly pumped and sprayed from a large reservoir at the bottom of the tank greatly reduces this problem of heat dissipation at high temperatures, and allows the refrigerant to drop significantly in temperature before being sent indoors to cool your air.

To learn more about the innovative AquaChill system, or for comprehensive Sacramento air conditioning services, call Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing today at (916) 265-0828!

Elk Grove CA Air Conditioning FAQ: Top Three Reasons to Change Air Filters in Your AC System

May 1st, 2013

Your air filter is one of the few parts of your air conditioning system that every Elk Grove, CA homeowner should know how to take care of. It needs to be regularly cleaned and replaced in order to protect the sensitive mechanical parts of your system. When such parts accumulate dust and debris, they are prone to increased wear and tear and may even be damaged as a result. While it’s one of the simplest things to do, many homeowners forget to do it every cooling season, and inevitably damage their AC systems as a result. It’s unfortunate, because with a little routine maintenance, it can help to improve your AC’s energy efficiency, performance, and may reduce the risk of major repairs. We’d like to go into more detail here about the importance of air filter maintenance. For comprehensive air conditioning, call the Elk Grove CA air conditioning experts at Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

Here are the top three reasons to change air filters in your AC system, in no particular order:

  • Energy efficiency. Homeowners throughout the area are always looking for ways to cut down on their energy bills, and your air conditioning requires a substantial chunk of your home budget during the cooling season. By cleaning and replacing your air filter on a regular basis, you can improve airflow and that will allow your AC to work less.
  • Avoid repairs. If your air filter becomes dirty or clogged, it begins to block airflow. If this happens within the air handler’s filter, it can cause your evaporator coil to freeze over because of all the trapped cold air. Like refrigerant, the air within your AC system needs to be constantly moving to perform well. If it becomes stagnant, then it may lead to increased air conditioning repairs, and that can be costly and frustrating, especially if your system breaks down in the middle of August.
  • Improve performance. A clean air filter improves AC performance. It’s that simple. By ensuring that airflow is constantly optimized, you can ensure that cool air reaches you faster, and that the warm air is extracted from the inside of your home faster.

If you need help selecting a type of air filter for your home, or would like to speak to an Elk Grove, CA air conditioning professional about further air conditioning services, then call Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

Sacramento CA Duct Cleaning FAQ: What Does Duct Cleaning Entail?

April 30th, 2013

The ductwork of our Sacramento, CA homes is largely unseen, though its importance cannot be overstated. In short, it controls the cool airflow produced by our air conditioner, and distributes it throughout various parts of our houses. Ducts come in various types and sizes, although sheet metal and flexible insulated ducts are often the standard for most homes. With all the use they get, it’s no wonder that dust, pollen, dander and other debris might begin to accumulate within these internal passageways. In Sacramento, duct cleaning is a great way to ensure that our cooling systems are operating smoothly, that they send fresh and clean air into your home, and that they are not obstructed by dirty or blocked ducts. Many customers are curious about duct cleaning, but are unsure as to what it entails. In this post, the Sacramento duct cleaning experts at Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing would like to tell you what it’s all about. Call us today to find out more about duct cleaning in Sacramento, CA!

The first step to duct cleaning is taking a look at the internal surfaces of your ducts to see if there are any particular areas that require special attention. At this point, your technician may also be able to spot any cracks or loose connections, which may need sealing. While duct cleaning can solve many problems, it does not provide any air leak repairs, and you may be able to eliminate a lot of dust and debris accumulation by sealing.

The cleaning process is relatively straightforward. While it may vary from application to application, your Sacramento duct cleaning technician will typically use a vacuum to create a negative pressure within your ductwork system, so that any loose debris can be quickly removed. He may also utilize a series of specialized scrubbers and scrapers to remove any resistant gunk that has built up. Consult with your Sacramento duct cleaning technician about whether there are any steps you can take to reduce the amount of dust and debris in your ducts.

Duct cleaning is a cost-effective way to restore the energy efficiency and performance of your air conditioning before the summer heat hits. For more information, or to schedule a duct cleaning service, contact the Sacramento air conditioning experts at Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Call Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing: Encouraging Kids to Think Green in Sacramento

April 29th, 2013

The Sacramento, CA heating and air conditioning professionals at Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing have a long history of emphasizing the importance of green thinking. Recently, Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing teamed with the West Sacramento Energy Foundation in an effort to get kids thinking about green energy, starting at an early age. The kids in our community are going to be making the decisions someday, after all. It is only fitting that they start thinking about important topics that affect their lives and the world around them. The program was a great success, and we were excited to find it discussed by Melissa on the Fit ‘n’ Well Mommy blog. We are proud to be a part of this community and we value the feedback of other community members. Here are some of Melissa’s thoughts on the project. To read the full post, click here.

Beutler decided to create this project because they are very passionate about teaching children about energy savings. They believe the younger we can teach kids to “think green” and conserve energy, the better our environment will be years down the road. This is the reason why I am writing about this today, because I commend Beutler for reaching out into their community to make a difference. So many times, companies are in it just to make money and succeed, forgetting about their communities, so it is refreshing to see a company committed to its’ residents and the future of our environment.

By educating our children and establishing healthy habits…at an early age, we will have much more responsible adults and, hopefully, a healthier planet. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to start talking with your children about energy conservation and how important it is to keeping our environment a healthier one!

Contact the Sacramento HVAC specialists at Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing today to discuss the ways in which you can make your home more energy efficient. We are always happy to help you keep comfortable throughout the year while helping you do so in a more efficient manner. Thanks for your kind words and thoughtfulness, Melissa, and keep spreading the word. Call Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing Teams Up with Local Students to Raise Efficiency Awareness in Sacramento

April 26th, 2013

At Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing we know that homeowners want to keep their homes comfortable throughout the year. However, many Sacramento, CA homeowners are growing more and more concerned about the impact of doing so on the environment. With our focus on energy efficient heating and air conditioning solutions, as well as our passion for contributing to the local community, schools and student body, we saw a great opportunity to help educate people about this important issue. We teamed up with the West Sacramento Educational Foundation to create an initiative to encourage local students to think about their environmental impact.

Our general manager, Jim Anderberg, spoke with the Sacramento Bee to discuss the goal of this partnership. “Our hope,” he explains, “is that we can encourage our youth to think about the impact they can make on our environment and share those ideas with the community as a whole”.

As an added incentive, cash prizes were awarded to the classes with the top 3 winning ideas. Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing donated $1000 to the West Sacramento Educational foundation to make this possible. At Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing we believe in long-term thinking. That is why getting kids involved in this sort of thinking at a young age is so integral. To read more about this project, view the whole article in the Sacramento Bee here. If you have any questions about how you can keep your home comfortable throughout the year in a more efficient manner, contact the Sacramento, CA heating and air conditioning professionals at Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We are happy to help you achieve your efficiency goals.

Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing Offers Tips for Improved Indoor Air Quality in Sacramento

April 25th, 2013

You may not give the quality of the air inside your home too much consideration. Many Sacramento, CA homeowners mistakenly believe that pollution and poor air quality exists only outside. At Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing we think it is important to inform people that this could not be further from the truth. In fact, the EPA suggests that indoor air quality is frequently lower than that outside. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that you can improve indoor air quality in your home. Our general manager, Jim Anderberg, recently shared some tips for improving indoor air quality with the Sacramento Bee. Here are a few examples from Jim.

  • Regularly change your filters on your heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
  • Whole-house air cleaners, which can be easily installed by an Sacramento HVAC professional, can help reduce the ill effects of indoor air pollutants.
  •  Get your HVAC system a checkup. Regular maintenance will cut pollutants and help the system operate more efficiently, possibly saving money, too.

There are a number of different factors that can come together to reduce indoor air quality in your home. The proper course of action to resolve this problem will depend on your specific issues. When you work with a Sacramento indoor air quality specialist at Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing you can be sure that you’ll get the solutions you need to your indoor air quality problems. Contact us anytime, and be sure to read the rest of Jim’s tips here.

Roseville CA Air Conditioning FAQ: What Type of Thermostat Should I Use With My Air Conditioner?

April 24th, 2013

We rely on our air conditioning in Roseville, CA to keep us cool on the hottest days of the year. Whether you have an AquaChill, central air, or ductless mini split system, you need it to operate efficiently and effectively. Both performance and energy efficiency depend on the quality and type of thermostat you have installed in your home. Whether you’re selecting a thermostat for your new home, or upgrading your existing system with a new thermostat, there are some things to consider. If you’re wondering what type of thermostat you should use with your air conditioner, call the Roseville CA air conditioning experts at Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

There are a number of thermostat options available to you:

  • Wireless thermostat. This type is often highly valued by Roseville, CA air conditioning technicians because they allow for versatile installation without the hassle of electrical wiring. They are therefore more cost-effective. But they also tend to be more accurate, and they often come with a remote control.
  • Digital thermostat. If you currently have a conventional thermostat, consider a digital model. They sense the temperature more accurately, and they are also easier to read.
  • Programmable thermostat. Again, if you currently use a conventional model, upgrading to a programmable thermostat allows you to create an energy-efficient schedule of cooling. You can set your system to lower the temperature an hour before you get up in the morning, to raise the temperature while you’re at work, and then to lower the temperature an hour before you get home. It’s incredibly convenient and it saves you energy.
  • Multiple climate zone thermostat. If you have a zone control system installed in your home or office space, or if you have ductless mini split air handlers throughout your home, the multiple climate zone thermostat divides your home into zones that can be cooled separately from each other, giving your versatility and energy efficiency from the convenience of a centralized user interface.

Make sure that your thermostat is installed in a place where you can conveniently program it. Also, your thermostat should be located out of the sunlight, and away from drafts, doorways, skylights and windows, all of which can produce “ghost readings” that can throw off your air conditioning. For more information, call the Roseville, CA air conditioning experts at Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Contact Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

Lincoln CA Air Conditioning FAQ: What Type of Thermostat Should I Purchase?

April 1st, 2013

Of all the components that make up your Lincoln, CA air conditioning system, the one you have the most direct contact with and the most control over is your thermostat. Your thermostat is the control panel that you interact with in order to regulate the operation of your air conditioning system. Doesn’t it make sense that you take the time to find the thermostat that is best suited for your home, needs and personal cooling habits? Many people fail to consider their thermostat options fully. Here is some information from the Lincoln, CA air conditioning specialists at Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing regarding your thermostat options to help you make the right decision.

Many homeowners prefer the simplicity of an old fashioned manual thermostat. There is nothing wrong with a manual thermostat, and there is something to be said for the simplicity of their operation. However, a basic digital thermostat is in some ways even easier to use and can help you operate your air conditioning system more efficiently. With an easy to read display and push button controls, digital thermostats make is easy to accurately set temperatures. This precision may not seem like that big an advantage, but it can in fact help you save money on your home cooling costs.

For those homeowners looking for more options with their thermostat, a programmable thermostat is a great way to go. With a manual or basic digital thermostat you will generally set a temperature and leave it there. This is not necessarily the most efficient way to keep your home cool. When you leave for work you do not need to cool your home to the same degree, but if you want to come back to a comfortable home you will need to. A programmable thermostat allows you to create different cooling programs custom tailored to your schedule. When used properly they can help you enjoy increased comfort and greater efficiency levels.

To learn more about your thermostat options, call the Lincoln air conditioning experts at Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We have the answers to all your questions. Let us help you cool your home with greater ease, efficiency and confidence. Contact Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

Sacramento Air Conditioning Tip: Common AC Noises

March 25th, 2013

As summer approaches in Sacramento, CA, you may already be making sure that your AC is working properly. Ensuring its successful operation before the cooling season truly begins is essential to home comfort. This way you’ll be able to eliminate any persistent problems that could be damaging your system, or costing you extra money on your energy bill every month. Often, our eyes and ears can go a long way towards recognizing that something is wrong—but to make sure everything is working as it should – let the diagnostic and repair skills of a Sacramento air conditioning professional take the next step. For comprehensive air conditioning repair in Sacramento, call Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

While you should expect your air conditioner to make a reasonable amount of noise, here are some common AC noises that may be trouble:

  • Hissing. If you notice hissing in or around your ductwork, it’s often an air leak, but if it’s at your AC unit itself, it may indicate a refrigerant leak. Because your refrigerant changes states from a liquid to a gas and back again, there may be a leak close to the evaporator valve. Wherever it is, low refrigerant levels can cause damage to your system if left unrepaired.
  • Loud clicking or clanging. The blower motor of your AC unit distributes the air through the ductwork and into your living space. If you notice a loud clicking or even clanging when the fan turns on, then it could indicate a problem with one of the fan blades, or some other damaged component. Vibration problems may also contribute to this issue.
  • Rattling. This may also be your fan hitting an obstruction, but there may also be a loose component within your AC, which needs to be re-attached or repaired.
  • Buzzing. If you notice a buzzing sound in or around your AC unit, it could be an electrical problem. Handling electricity is very dangerous and such repairs should be left to a Sacramento air conditioning professional.

Whatever AC noise you hear, if it stands out, there’s probably something wrong with your air conditioning system. Delaying repairs only allows problems to worsen. For Sacramento air conditioning repair service, call Beutler Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!